REVEALED: The Oceanside development 'game changer'

FOR decades it has been referred to as the Sunshine Coast's missing link.

Now the $5 billion Oceanside Kawana precinct will extend Lake Kawana under Nicklin Way to link with Stockland's new Bokarina Beachside development.

As a result, canoeists, surf-skiers and kayakers will be able to paddle from the proposed Oceanside town centre to the planned Bokarina Beach Surf Club.

The bridge over the lake waters is described as a game-changer for the multi-million-dollar beachside development.

Speaking at Birtinya, Stockland senior development manager Mark McMahon was excited at what has been delivered in Kawana to date but super-excited by what the future holds.

"It's valuable to look back and reflect on where we have come but it's also important to look forward,'' he told a Kawana Chamber of Commerce business networking evening, "a clear understanding of what we're trying to achieve".

The Oceanside Kawana development will generate about 12,000 ongoing jobs and contribute $828million to the economy each year once completed.

Stockland senior development manager Mark McMahon delivers a project update and outline of the Oceanside vision at the Kawana Chamber of Commerce business networking evening at Best Western Plus Oceanside Kawana.Erle Levey

Once complete, it will encompass the Kawana Town Centre and a state-of-the-art health hub.

"Oceanside Kawana is a multi-billion-dollar development that will create numerous opportunities for both the existing business community and new entities looking to set up shop in the area," Kawana Chamber of Commerce president Linda Delamotte said.

"It's crucial business operators have a clear understanding of what's in the pipeline and how they can capitalise on the opportunities available.

"The total economic benefit during the development of Oceanside is forecast to top $5.3billion over the next 15 years, so we're already beginning to experience a positive economic injection."

Ms Delamotte said in addition to the benefits posed over the long-term, the Oceanside Kawana development also offered a number of shorter-term gains to the region.

"It is estimated that more than 3000 jobs will be created each year throughout the development phase which is great news for local workers," she said.

The $5 billion Oceanside Kawana encompasses about 100 hectares of land in the heart of the Sunshine Coast, taking in Birtinya, Bokarina Beach and the future town centre.

Included is the 200-bed Sunshine Coast University Private Hospital and the near-complete $1.8billion Sunshine Coast Public University Hospital.

The Oceanside town centre will be a sub-regional shopping centre with department store, supermarkets, specialty stores, cafes and tavern and entertainment. Community and cultural facilities such as a library and learning centre, parks and open spaces are planned.

"The last remaining areas are the beating heart,'' Mr McMahon said.

"We are creating a brand business that people can associate with.

"That place is Oceanside. What's coming on the horizon is far different to the history.

"It will be a healthy city by the beach, a premium beachside community with new ideas and innovations.

"From trees to sea, business to beach. People and places will be linked through corridors between beaches and waterways, business and residential.''

Mr McMahon said Stockland was forecasting it would take more than 10 years to develop but bring opportunities never seen on the Coast before.

Pulse Medical and Best Western Plus Lake Kawana Hotel are already operating together with aged and child care centres.

Stockland is planning a retirement village and there are several apartment buildings in the pipeline as well as serviced apartments, shopping centre and tavern.

Bokarina Beach will have 300 houses and 800 apartments to a maximum of eight storeys